Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is away at Euro 2024 with England, but still battling with injury.
There were lots of questions asked when Luke Shaw was selected for England’s Euro 2024 squad, after not featuring for Manchester United since February.
The injury-hit defender’s selection was a gamble from England boss Gareth Southgate, one which currently looks like it is backfiring.
The Telegraph report Shaw is still training away from his England teammates and after missing the first two group games, he is not expected to figure in the third match.
Luke Shaw injury problems causing grief
Luke Shaw’s ongoing injury problems caused problems for Manchester United last season, with the defender suffering four separate injuries.
It was remarkable that he was still selected by England, one of several questionable decisions from under-fire national manager Southgate.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Shaw spoke out onsocial media to defend himself, amid questions why he could not get fit for Manchester United, but seemingly might be able to for England.
Shaw wrote: “There’s nothing I want to do more than play and win with Manchester United. I don’t normally react to things I see on social media but there’s a lot of people questioning my loyalty to this club and asking how I am fit for England but not United.
“The reality is I am not 100% fit for either right now but I am doing everything I can and constantly working to be. I have been at this club for 10 years through highs and lows and for anyone to question my loyalty is obviously frustrating.”
England setbacks prove Shaw right
Those who questioned Shaw on social media and provoked him into his comment, would have had fuel for their conspiracies if he had been fit for England’s first game. Perhaps even the second match.
Now, it looks like Shaw will not be back until the knockout stages – but there are growing questions over whether he will be fit to play a single game for the Three Lions.
He said that he was not fit for either United or England, and what has gone on at Euro 2024 just underlines his statement.
Shaw had added: “This has definitely been the most frustrating season for me, I have had set back after set back and have worked so hard to get back to fitness but things just haven’t gone my way.”
Missing out on Euro 2024 would be another major disappointment for him to add to his ‘frustrating’ year.
And he won’t be happy about his ongoing issues at all. But if there is one consolation, it’s that he can’t be accused of pushing to play for his country, and not his club. He is clearly unable to do either.
United meanwhile should be looking hard at the left-back position in the transfer market this summer and targeting a reinforcement – Shaw just can’t be relied upon.